Make no mistake, O’Halloran and Diagouraga believed their Gers deals were going through a week ago.

In fact, O’Halloran had told family and friends that he was Ibrox-bound.

So you have to feel for Warburton. Not only has he cherry-picked the players he wants for the club, he also chose cheap ones who should have been affordable to Dave King and Co upstairs.

And in O’Halloran’s case, Warburton obviously feels he adds long-term value to Gers. If he can polish the rough edges, the striker could be a diamond worth a lot more in the future than what St Johnstone are asking for now.

St Johnstone's Michael O'Halloran

Warburton asked for £1million to effectively clinch Rangers the automatic promotion King demanded. But so far in this transfer window he’s been let down.

If the money is not there, be open about it. If it is, why is it taking so long to tie up players the boss is keen on?

Warburton did his best to fudge the issue. He joked that on deadline day he’ll be sitting on the couch with a glass of red wine. But if he doesn’t get the men he wants before February 1, he’ll be drinking the hard stuff.

Saying he’ll be content if he doesn’t get anyone in is guff.

Behind closed doors he’ll be furious if O’Halloran – along with a Diagouraga back-up – aren’t his players by the end of the month.

Their nearest challengers Hibs have signed a better player than O’Halloran in Anthony Stokes to try and win them the title.

Even Falkirk have strengthened.

Now it’s time for King, Ibrox MD Stewart Robertson and the Rangers board to deliver for their manager. He wants deals done. It’s their job to get them over the line.